We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. You can find out about our cookies and how to disable cookies in our Privacy Policy. If you continue to use this website without disabling cookies, we will assume you are happy to receive them. Close.

The techniques used for straw bale construction usually involve stacking rows of bales on a raised footing or foundation. A capillary break or moisture barrier is inserted between the supporting platform and the bales. Pins made of bamboo or timber can be used to tie bale walls together, or surface wire mesh can be used.

The bale wall is then stuccoed or plastered using either a lime-based formulation or earth/clayrender, depending on the local climatic conditions. For example, in wet climates, a vapour-permeable finish may be preferred to a cement-based stucco.

As a result of this, the first straw houses offered on the open market went on sale in 2015. The seven houses, located in Bristol, were built-clad but with timber-framed straw bale walls. The purchase price was below average, and it was estimated that fuelbills would be up to 90% cheaper than an equivalent brick-built house.

Peter Walker, from the University of Bath, said:

”We have conducted a number of fire tests that have demonstrated that fire resistance from straw bale construction is remarkably good and better than many contemporary forms of construction.

”In terms of durability, we have undertaken laboratory tests and undertaken monitoring of existing buildings and we have also done accelerated weather tests. The results of all these tests suggest that straw is a very durable construction solution.”

Comments

It would be good to have some references for the claims about fire performance, or at least some details about the kinds of tests that have been done. All that straw provides a lot of combustible material: I would certainly want to be very sure that the claims above about fire resistance are well-founded before encouraging people to live in a straw-bale house.